Barcelona hope Raphinha who is vital to the squad rediscovers last season's form

The team needs to bring out the best in the Brazilian, both for his attacking statistics (34 goals and 23 assists last season) and for his intangible qualities.

Flick's idea is better understood with his pressure and leadership, but when he returns, he must first rediscover himself.

After renewing his contract until 2028, the club hopes he will once again play a key role on and off the pitch, keeping all egos in the squad at bay.

The great Barça team that had a fantastic season, coming close to winning every title in the debut of the “Flick era”, had real pillars in its backbone, starting with the leadership of Iñigo Martínez in marking the forward line and setting the offside trap, the brain of Pedri González in midfield, the 42 goals of the tireless Robert Lewandowski and the genius of Lamine Yamal. However, the Barça team's superlative performance last season would not have been possible without the contribution of Raphinha, who could make his comeback on Saturday against Girona. Getting the Brazilian back to his best, especially with his intangible qualities, is one of the great hopes ahead of a decisive stretch of the season with El Clásico on Sunday 26th at the Bernabéu on the horizon after worrying defeats against Paris Saint-Germain (1-2) and, above all, Sevilla (4-1).

The Brazilian striker was much more than just the Polish player's wingman and Rocafonda's winger. His statistics speak for themselves. He was the second highest scorer (34) behind Lewan (42) and the best assist provider (23) ahead of Lamine Yamal (21), as well as leading the team in minutes played (4,661) and coming second in official matches played (57 in total and 53 as a starter). These spectacular numbers earned him the Champions League “Pichichi” award (13), tied with Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), catapulting him to fifth place in the Ballon d'Or rankings, ahead of Kylian Mbappé (7th), for example. He could have finished even higher if the 2-3 lead at San Siro against Inter had not been immediately equalised by Francesco Acerbi, ruining their passage to the final.

Even with only half those numbers, Raphinha would be essential in a team that needs his energy and passion to rediscover itself. Due to his unwavering understanding of the game, the success of Flick's Barça depends on a level of intensity that was conspicuous by its absence at the Pizjuán. ‘Chances start up front,’ Pau Cubarsí reminded us. And in attack, there was a lack of high pressure to counteract the man-marking of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. It was not the best afternoon in terms of sacrifice for Lewandowski, Rashford, Ferran and Olmo.

Many missed the fighting spirit of Gavi, who will be out until February or March, Fermín and Raphinha. The latter two will return after the break. The Huelva-born player will fill the void left by the injured Dani Olmo, while the Brazilian international should be another gift for Flick for all he brings on and off the pitch.

FC Barcelona is fully committed to Raphinha. Renewed in May until 2028 after extending his contract that was due to expire in 2027, he will turn 29 in December and will arrive at the World Cup with greater stripes in the “canarinha” also earned wearing the blue and red. In a dressing room that must flee from the egos that Flick alluded to after the 1-1 draw in Vallecas, his influence over his teammates is vital. The German coach has great confidence in the fourth captain of the group, who is capable of giving anyone a piece of his mind, just like Iñigo Martínez used to do. For that to happen, Raphinha must first rediscover himself, with his versatility as an added value, so that he can then throw himself into the group.